Packaging machine



Filed March 10, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet o T N E V W ATTORNEY Aug. 27, 1929. DOBLE 1,726,060

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed March 10, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 1929- R. N. DOBLE 1,726,060

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed March 10, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR BY 1w I I I Aug. 27, 1929. R N DQBLE 1,726,060

mcmeme momma I Filed March 10, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 III I "'Ih H! i i QUINN.

I II

ZWMIHIW W MMWF' W INVENTOR Aug. 27, 1929. DQBLE 1,726,060

- PACKAGING MACHINE I Filed March 10, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR 44 m4 ATTORNEY Aug. 27, 1929. R DOBLE PACKAGING MACHINE Filed March 10, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet a v w 8 u INVENTOR JKM 1929- R. N. DOBLE 1,726,060

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed March 10, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 lmluh INVENTOR TTOZNEY Aug. 27, 1929. DOBLE 1,726,060

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed. March 10, 1924 9 sheets-Sheet 8 L) I I I HHIIHHH II- n 1H HHII u u INVENTQR AW AM MORNEY Aug. 27, 1929. R. N. DOBLE'.

PACKAGING MACHINE Filed March 10, 1924 9 Sheets-Sheet w u w ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 27, 1929.

UNITEQ STATES PATENT Q FFlCE.

RALPH NELSON DOBLE, OF BAYSIDE, NEW YORK, AfiSIGNOR TO PNEUMATIC SCALE CORPORATION, LIMITED, 0F N'DRFOLK DOV/NS, IYIASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Application filed March 10, 192-1.

This invention relates broadly to packaging materials, and more particularly relates to an improved method of and apparatus for packaging any commodity which it may be desired to pack in predetermined quantity whether of volume or Weight in separate con tainers.

This invention more especially pertains to an improved method of and means for forming, filling and closing and, it desired, trim ming and tagging a series of containers ot limited volume and containing a predetermined quantity of the commodity to be packed.

' For the purposes of disclosure merely, the invention is illustrated and described as embodied and adapted for the packaging oi a selected material in a series oi containers oi predetermined volume, and as an exemplification of one employment of the invention it is here described as utilized for the purpose of packaging or the like in relatively small quantities in convenient individual containers, but it Will be appreciated that the invention finds a Wide field of utility for other purposes.

It is now quite common practice in the better hotels, restaurants and the like to serve individual portions of tea in small porous contaii'iers liavii closing); string tied thereabout and a tag or the like on the string whereby the patron served may suspend. the container in a pot or cup of hot Water and make the tea oi the strength desired.

The apparatus of the present invention is designed to manufacture, fill. and tap; these small containers in large numbers by a substantially continuous series of operations whereby quantity production may be inexpensively attained. It will be obvious, of course, that the hold ct utility of the invention tor packaging oth r commodies, edible or otherwise, is by no means limited to the particular subject described hereinaf er and ill. atcd in the drawings, nor to the emp 'ment of the particular kinds of poo inc; and closing; material nor to the pa, lar kind of tag; or the like aliixed thereto The principal objects and advantages which characterize this invention reside in the provision or"- an improved method of packaging commodities; the provi i p oved apparatus for pack d u'ior-o, larly o .LEI MACHINE.

Serial No. 698,120.

measuring and packaging commodities; the provisii n of an improved method of and apparatus for constructing a container; the provision of an improved method of and apparatus for measuring a commodity, constructing a container and ii lling the container With such commodity; the provision oi an improved method oi and apparatus for constructing and filling a container and for applying a closing means thereto; the provision of an improved method of and apparatus for constructing and filling a container substantial- 1y simultaneously; the provision of an improved method of and apparatus for constructing and filling a container, in combination with means for conveying such con tainer; the provision of an improved apparatus it'or tormii'lg and filling a container substantially simultaneously, in combination With means for grasping and conveying' the container; the provision of an. improved apparatus for closing a receptacle the provision or" an improved apparatus for applying a closure such as a string, Wire or other filament to a filled container; and the provision of an improved apparatus for applying a tag or other object to a receptacle; the provision, in combination, of means for forming, closing and trimming said receptacle; and the provision, in combination, of means for forming, closing, and applying a or the like to a receptacle.

This invention is further characterized by the provision of apparatus for forming an improved form of container; the provision of an improved apparatus for manufacturing a complete container by substantially one continuous operation; the provision 0t an improved apparatus for forming a complete container from a single blank or piece of material; the provision of improved apparatus for forming; a container from a single blank or piece of fabric, such as cloth or paper, by substantially one continuous operation; the provision of improved apparatus for "formingr and filling a container substantially simultaneously; the provision of an improved apparatus including, in combination, means for forming a container from a single piece of material. and means for automatically fillint, said container substantially simultaneously with formation; the provision, in combination with means for to a aeterit ied. as above v1; Ail:

means for trimming the container, means for applying a closing means thereto; and the provision of means for forming and filling a container in combination with means for trimming said container, means for applying a closing means to said container, and means for applying a tag or other object thereto, the provision of an improved method of applying a or other object to a con tainer; and the provision of an improved mechanism for applying a tag or other obj ect to the filament employed for closing the container.

This invention is still further characterized by the provision of an improved method of and apparatus for constructing a series of containers from a continuous web or strip of material; the provision of an improved method of and apparatus for manufacturing containers from a single strip of fabric, cloth or paper and for applying closing means thereto; the provision of an improved method of and apparatus for packaging a commodity in a reticulated fabric or ot ier porous container; the provision of an improved method of and apparatus for applying a closing means to a container and for attaching means to said closing means for lifting said container; the provision of an improved method of and apparatus for measuring a commod- ,ity, forming a container to receive said commodity in a predetermined quantity, closing said container and for applying means for lifting the container, all by substantially a continuous operation; the provision of an improved apparatus for forming a container from a single blank of material by the application of pressure at different poin s to said blank simultaneously; the provision of an improved apparatus for forming a container from a single blank of material by the application of pressure in opposite directions different points on said blank to form a container; the provision of improved container forming apparatus characterized by the embodiment therein of filling apparatus; the provision of improved container forming apparatus characterized by the embodiment thereinof means for measuring a quantity of commodity and means for delivering said commodity to said container all substantially by a single continuous operation; and the provision of an improved method and apparatus of the character re ferred to Which is rapid and economical in operation, and facilitates the quantity production of filled containers Without contact of the human hand therewith.

This invention is still further characterized by the provision of an improved apparatus including improved means for forming a container, means for filling said container, and means for applying a closing means to the container, all of said means being arranged to perform their respective functions While the container is carried by a turn-table; the provision of an improved apgaratus which includes means for forming a container,means for filling such container and means for conveying said container including a turn-table, in combination With means for applying a closing means to the container; the provision of an improved apparatus which includes means of manufacturing a container and means for filling said container and means for simultaneously closing and grasping said container for further operations; the provision of improved means for forming and filling a container, means for grasping and conveying said container, and means for applying a fastem ing means to the container, said conveying means including a rotatable member; the provision, in combination, of improved means for filling a container, means for grasping said container and for conveying same for further operations, said conveying means including a rotatable table; the provision of improved conveying means including object onmeans and a rotatable member for supporting same; the provision of an improved conveying means Which includes a rotatable member and object engaging means carried by the same, in combination With means for operating said object engaging means during the rotation of said rotatable member; and the provision, in combination With container forming and filling and closing means, means for moving the container through a path adjacent to such means by a step by step movement.

This invention is still further more specifically characterized by the provision of im proved tying apparatus; the provision of improved apparatus for applying a closing means to a container; the provision of improved means for applying a closing lilament or the like to a container; the provision of an improved closure looping mechanism; the provision of an improved closure loopingand tying mechanism; the provision of an improved object engaging means in combination with means for applying a loop or loops of closing material to said object; the provision of looping mechanism in combination. with an improved filament feeding and tonsioning device; the provision of improved means for applying a tying material to a plurality of containers in succession, and the provision, in combination with said means, of means for successivelydisconnecting said several containers at the proper time.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages Which appear or are pointed out as this description proceeds, are attained in a structural embodiment illustrated in the ac companying drawings; in which:

Figure l is a side elevation of the 00111- plete apparatus;

Figure 2 is a plan view on the line 2-2 and looking in direction of the arrows in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical transverse section taken on line 33 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view of a detail of Figure 3 taken on line a4t of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional elevation taken on line 55 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the transfer table shown centrally in Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of the bag-forming guide taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 7.

Figures 9 and 10 are, respectively, elevational and plan views of the bag-top trimming mechanism shown in elevation and in plan in Figures 1 and 2;

Figures 11 and 12 are elevational and plan views, respectively, (each of which is partly broken away) of the mechanism for tying up the neck of the bag or container;

Figure 13 is a View of part of such mechanism in another position it assumes in the operation of the machine;

Figure 14 is a rear elevational view of the tag feeding mechanism;

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of Figure 14 showing the means for feeding the twine into the eye of the tag;

Figures 16 and 17 are enlarged detailed views of portions of Figures 14 and 15; and

Figure 18 is a perspective View of the tinished container.

Before proceeding to describe in detail the mechanisms herein illustrated for carrying into effect the desired objects, I will premise that I employ a rotating table or conveyor which carries the container from its initial state, filled, to the variorw instrumentalities which are to operate thereupon to form the finished object. I will further premise that this conveyor is given a step by step movement corresponding with the initial association therewith of the container when thus formed and of the several operations to be performed. thereupon. This conveyor therefore cooperates with the remaining mechanism of the machine, to permit the association therewith of the partly formed container and contents and then for the following operations to be performed upon this object: (a) of the trinnning off of that portion of the container projecting above the conveyor; (1)) the application of a plurality of loops of thread, wire or other filament about the neck suspended from the conveyor and immediately therebelow for closing the container; (0) the association with the string so employed of a label or tag for each container formed, either for the purpose of identification or to be employed as carrying means for the finished ob ect; (d) the severing of the string so as to separate and dis associate the several objects when completed and to permit their discharge.

Referring more particularly to the drawings and first to Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, it may be generally stated that this apparatus includes means generally designated 1%. for feeding a continuous strip of fabric, preferably cloth of a texture and weave suitable fer the purpose, such as coarse woven cotton material of the surgical gauze type; means for severing the strip into blanks, this means being designated generally as B; means for forming the blank into a pocket shape to form a container, this means being generally designated C; means for measuring and delivering an increment of a predetermined quantity of some commodity and designated 1); means for grasping and advancing the filled container generally designated E; means for applying a fastening, such as twine to the neck of the container for closing the same and generally designated F; means for applying a tag or other suitable object to the cord or twine and generally cc ited G, and finally means generally nated H for severing the string which up until this point connects two or more of the containers together.

In the forming of the container a portion thereof projects upwardly and to remove this portion a trimmer mechanism I is provided, and for delivering the completed, filled and tagged receptacle from the machine I provide a conveyor J.

T 1e mechanisms just referred to are all coordinated and timed to operate in their proper relationship with respect to each other and to the container as it progresses through the machine and these mechanisms com ise, as will hereinafter appear, cer'ain specific elements which, of course, may be modified or varied in shape, construction and design for various purposes within the purview of the invention.

The mechanisms A to J, inclusive, are all preferably embodied in a single unit structure so as to render transportation of the apparatus convenient and these mechanisms are mounted on a frame composed of the horizontal side members 2 and 3 conveniently having a general shape in cross section similar to an I-beam as will best be seen in Figure The side members 2 and 3 are connected by transverse end shelf members 4 and 4 from the ends of which depend the supporting legs 4: t preferably formec integrally there with. Bolts 5" r any other convenient fastening means extend through the depending ones of the side members 2 and 3 for securing same to the shelf members.

The side members 2 and 3 serve to support, in bearings 29-29 a revoluble shaft 11 which may be termed the drive shaft, any suitable driving means, such an electric motor,

(not shown) being connected to the projecting end of the shaft shown in Figure This shaft serves to support a plurality of cams which will be described in detail hereinafter for actuating certain of the various mecha nisms hereinbefore mentioned.

The shaft 11 serves to continuously drive a train of gears including the gear 5 mounted on the left hand projecting end of the shaft 11, as viewed in Figure 3, said gear 5 meshing with a gear 6, which is formed integrally with a reduction gear 7, the gears 6 and 7 being idling gears and mounted freely for rotation on the shaft 12. The gear 5 is pinned as at 5 to the shaft 11 and the gears 6 and 7 are retained against longitudinal displacement in one direction by the bearing e on the side member 3 and by a collar 7 a which is affixed to the outer end of the shaft 12. The gear 7 meshes with a gear 8 mounted on the shaft 13 and affixed to said shaft for imparting continuous rotation thereto, a gear 9, slightly larger than the gear 8, being formed integrally therewith and adapted to drive a gear 14 mounted fixedly on the rotatable shaft 15.

The gears 5 and 6 are of substantially the same diameter, the gears 7 and 8 being also substantially of the same diameter, and the gears 9 and 1 1 also being of the same diameter, so that the shafts 13 and 15 will be driven continuously at the same rate of speed as that of the shaft 11.

Upon reference to Figure 1 it will be observed that on each of the gears of the train just described I have applied an arrow and this serves to indicate the direction of rotation and it will be observed that the shaft 11 rotates clockwise and the shaft 13 in the same direction, the shaft 15 rotating in a counter clockwise direction.

As an aid in making my invention clear to those skilled in the art it may be briefly stated that the shaft 11 while, of course, it is the main actuating shaft of the machine, serves to directly operate only a portion of the elements, for instance, the shaft 12 being intermittently driven from the shaft 11 and serving to operate the mechanism E and the shaft 13 serving to operate the discharge conveyor J, the shaft 15 serving to operate the tagging mechanism G.

Briefly, the shaft 11 may be said to directly operate the trimming mechanism 1, cutting mechanism 13, and operate certain elements of the tying mechanism F as will hereinafter appear. The shaft 11 serves to operate other elements which can be best explained as the description proceeds.

Below the planes of the shafts 11, 12 and 13 and located approximately midway between the shafts 11 and 12, I provide a fulcrum shaft 10, oscillatably mounted in bearings in -10 secured to the under sides of the Lbeams 2 and 3. This shaft is called a fulcrum shaft because a number of levers are mounted on said shaft and operate upon and independently of same as a fulcrum. However, the shaft 10 oscillates at times with certain levers as will appear.

Referring now to the mechanism A for feeding the strip of cloth; mechanism B for sev ering; and mechanism C for forming the container; it will be observed upon examination of Figures 1, 2 and 3, that a platform 31 is mounted on the frame of the machine, sup ported by the frame F, which latter is in turn supported by one of the shelf portions a at the left hand end of the machine viewed from the aspect of Figure 1.

The frame F conveniently comprises a base 32, bolted or otherwise fixedly secured to the shelf 4, upstanding spaced sides 33 and 3% serving to support the platform 31, and also rearwardly extending arms 31, which carry between them a roll 35 of the cloth or other material from which the blanks are cut and the containers are formed.

Integral with the frame and extending toward the center of the machine are divergent arms 36 and 37 which form webs for integral connection of the vertical abutments 38 and 39 with the frame F. The walls 33 and 34; connected at one end by a transverse wall 40, and thus, with the platform 31, form a substantially box like structure for rigid support of the feeding, cutting, and forming mechanisms.

The vertical abutments 38 and 39 serve to rigidly support the posts 41 and 1P2, detachably secured to said abutments by means of bolts 43, 44, 15 and 46, and beyond the inner or discharge end of the platform 31.

The upper ends of the posts ll and 12 project beyond and upon the surface of the platform 31, and are provided with bearings 47 ..7 and 48 18, yokes 4l94t9 extending over the bearings 48 as shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5.

A shaft 50 rotates in bearings 47 and carries a feed roller 51, and a shaft 52 rotates in the bearings 48 and carries a complemental feed roller 53. The roller 51 is circumferentially grooved at 50 for a purpose which will presently appear. The bearings T7 are fixed, and the bearings 48 are slightly vertically movable against the tension of the springs 54:541, which abut the yokes 49, the tension of said springs being variable by the adjustment of set screws 55-55, and the bearings being held by means of the guide rods 5656. Obviously, this arrangement permits of the automatic variation of the tension existing between the peripheries of the rollers which are, in operation, in snug contact.

The feed rollers are simultaneously driven in relatively opposite directions by the provision of a gear 57 on the shaft 50 and a gear 58 on the shaft 52, said gears intermesliing for the purpose specified A pinion 59 is fixed to the projecting end of the shaft 50 (Figure 5) and meshes with a pinion 60 revoluble on the bolt 46, which forms a hearing. The pinion 60 operates or is integral. with a sprocket wheel 61, over which a chain 62 is trained.

The strip of material. from which the con tai are formed is fed step by step to the forming mechanism, and this feeding is accoinplished by imparting an intermittent rotatory movement to the rollers 51 and 53, and further by the provision of a reciprocating tray (Figures 1 and including the carriage 63 and the spaced arms 63 63 which pass between the rollers and are accommodated by the grooves in the roller 51, mounted on the frame F slightly above the plane of the platform 31. The arms 63" are secured to the carriage 63 by screws 64.

For supporting and guiding the tray the carriage 63 is mounted upon and has a dovetail connection 65 with the platform 31 (Fig ure 5) and the arms 63 are aliixed to the carriage as pointed out, so that when the latter is reciprocated, the tray arms 63) are projected between the rollers 51 and 53 (see Fi ure 1). This arrangement permits of feeding of the cloth in the desired increments of the size required, these increments being substantially of the same length as that of the width of the strip, although this is not essential. As the tray and rollers introduce the strip the formcrnioves forward. The rollers then stop and the arms 63 recede, the frictional contact of the portions of the rollers which engage the cloth holding the cloth while the arms recede to a position ready for another feeding step.

The carriage 68 and tray 63 are actuated by the lever 66, fulcrumed by means of and connected fixedly to the transverse shaft 67, supported by frame F, the lever 66 being arranged inside of the frame F and connected by 511111; 68 to a lug on the bottom of the carriage (see Fig. 1).

The requisite motion for oscillating the shaft 67 is imparted thereto by the provision of an external lever 68' fixed on the projecting end of shaft 67. A connecting rod 67 connects the lever 68 to the upper end of lever 70, which is fulcrumed upon the shaft 10 and actuated by the cam 71 rotatable with the shaft 11. (See Figure 3.) A roller 7 0 at the medial portion of the lever engages the cam 71. Thus, at the proper time, the carriage is reciprocated carrying the fabric and the latter is gripped by the rollers and thus fed in increments.

intermittent motion is imparted to the rollers through chain 62 by the provision of a sprocket 72 on the shaft 12, which latter is intermittently rotated by the Geneva mechanism 73, including the rotating pin member 74; on shaft 11, and the radially slotted star wheel 75 on shaft 12. (Figures 2 and a.)

Reference may now be had to the forming mechanism C, and blank severing mechanism. (See Figures 1, 2 and When an increment of fabric is projected from the rollers, .it is received in the forming mechanism C, which comprises a die which in cludes a table or female portion 76 and a hollow plunger or male portion 7?". These elements will be described in detail presently, it being sufficient to mention that the table 76 is fixedly mounted below the plunger 77 and just forward of the rollers 51 and 53 in order to receive the strip of fabric as it is projected.

The strip is severed just forward of the rollers by the provision of a fixed knife edge carried by the rear edge of the table 76 and formed by transversely slotting the table and either attaching the knife edge or bending down the edge of the table. The slot 79 thus formed receives the blade member 80, which latter is fulcrumed on a stud bolt 81 having a base 82 and a shank 83 which passes through an opening 84 (Figures t and 5) in the post The blade has a lever 85 which projects to one side, as will be observed in Figures and 3 and is connected by a universal joint 85 to a rod 8 which extends downwardly (Figures 3 and d) and has a universal ointconnection 86 with the arm 87 of a bell crank 88, said lever being fulcrumed on the shaft 10. The other arm 87 of the bell crank lever carries a roller 87 which runs on the surface of the cam 87 which latter is fixed upon and is rotatable continuously with the shaft 11.

Tearing washers 85 are interposed between the hub and the base 82 and any wear of said washers which does not require their renewal may be taken up by the nut 81 on the stub bolt 81., a helical expansion spring 84" being interposed between the'nut and. the hub so that the knife blade will always move along the knife edge 78 when in operation. The universal joints and 86 allow for such adjustment of the tension of the spring 8% or any other lateral displacement of the blade in operation.

The forming mechanism hereinbefore referred to and including its major element the table 7 6 and the plunger 77 further includes a yoke 77 which extends transversely and is fixedly connected to the upper ends of the guide and operating rods 77 77, the yoke 77 rigidly supporting the plunger 77 which is provided with a hopper or funnel portion 90 disposed in'n'nediately below the measuring mechanism 1). The plunger. as best shown in Figure 2, is substantially diamond shaped and the opening in the yoke 77 in which said plunger is fr-zed is substantially of the same shape, so that the plunger can not turn in the yoke.

ill

The guide rods 77" are vertically reciprocated in supporting bearings 91 which latter are provided with base portions 91 bolted to the posts 411 and 12 and the table 76 rests on the upper ends of said bearings 91 and may be secured thereto in any desirable manner.

The table 76 is provided with an opening 92 which is somewhat elongated and has its longest axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the machine, inwardly directed tongues 93 being arranged at opposite ends of the opening and provided with notches 95 so that when the plunger is moved downwardly it passes through the opening 92 but instead of the opening being of the same shape as the plunger the shaping and forming is done by engagement of two corners or edges of the plunger with the notches 95 and the other edges of the plunger with the longitudinal edges of the opening 92. The recesses 96 aii'ord room for the surplus fabric during the formation of the container, allowing the corners of the blank to project outwardly while the sides thereof are drawn upwardly,

so that as the gripping mechanism closes, the

corners of the blank are forced over the sides which as the bag is formed are embraced therebetween, giving an even grip about the blank and forming a symmetrical bag. This structure is more clearly shown in detail in Figures 7 and 8.

The plunger is moved downwardly through the table 7 6 by the provision of a pair of levers 9 1-9-l fixedly secured to the shaft 10, the rear ends of said levers being pivotally connected at 95 to the lower ends of each of the rods 77". The cam 27 on shaft 11 operating the lever 27 fixed on shaft 10 serves to actuate said shaft 10.

Each time the plunger descends it actuates the measuring mechanism 1) which includes the cup 96, to cause a quantity of the commodity to be deposited in said cup and when the plunger is depressed the spring pressed rod 97 is actuated by the yolre T7 to simultaneously tilt the cup and thus deposit its contents in the hopper 90 so that the bag formed by the plunger and the table 76 is filled and formed at substantially the same time and with a single motion. Vhen the plunger returns to its upper position it re turns the cup to normal and the latter is filled again from a suitable container 98. The container 98, cup 96, and spring-pressed rod 97 are all mounted on a standard 98 secured at 99 to the main frame of the machine.

The proper quantity of the commodity is permitted to flow into the cup 96 from the container by the provision of an electrically operated gate 96 operated at the proper in stant and opened for the proper length of time by the provision of a commutating device such as the s itch comprising the insulated drum 98 on the shaft 18, contact plate 98 and spring terminals 98 on said drum.

When the plunger descends it will be readily appreciated that the presence of a blank of fabric over the opening 92 in the path of movementof the plunger will result in the fabric being forced through the opening 92, the outer edges of the blank being contracted to form the mouth of the contaii'ier. It is in this position, that is, the position of partial formation, in which the container is in effect g zsped between the plunger and the opening in the table, that the same receives the commodity to the desired amount as explained.

In order to grasp the container, contract its upper end to form a neck for closing same and for conveying the container to the point at which the surplus fabric is trimmed and to the other points at which the container is tied and tagged I provide a grasping and conveying mechanism which may best be seen from inspection of Figures 2, (i and 7.

For supporting the conveying mechanism hereinbefr'ire generally desi nated E, 1 provide a supporting standard 100 secured at 101 to the shelf portion if of the base frame of the machine and extending rearwardly and laterally as at 102 to a point which is substantially at the center of or on the vertical axis of the machine. The standard 100 is provided, on the laterally extended portion 102, with a pedestal 103 having a vertical bore for rotatably receiving the vertical shaft 104-.

On the lower end of the shaft 104; is mounted a bevel gear 105 which is adapted to mesh with a bevel pinion 108 fixedly mounted upon and rotatable with the intermittently operated shaft 12.

The upper end of the pedestal 103 receives a collar 107 provided with a cam portion 108, said cam and its collar being stationarily mounted on the upper end of the pedestal and secured in proper position thereon by the set screws 109.

The shaft 10-1 extends beyond the upper end of the pedestal and beyond said cam to re 110, the disc having a ceive a disc or wheer collar 111 secured concentrically on the im der surface thereof and adapted to receive the upper end of the shaft 104 (Figure 7) and secured to the disc by the machine screws 111. The collar 111 encircles the shaft 10-1 and set screws extend through the collar and abut said shaft and thereby adjustably but firmly secure the turntable or disc 110 in, its proper position with respect to the shaft 101.

The turntable 110 carries a plurality of gripping and holding devices and these are substantially identical T ill describe but one of them.

With reference to Figures 6 and T the gripping and holding device comprises a relatively lined jaw 112 secured by the rivets 113 directly to the under side of the whee or turntable 110 and projecting in a fixed plane radially from said turntable. The jaw member 112 is provided with a notch 114 having divergent sides and forming a tongue 115, the tongue 115 being in a lower plane than that of the j aw 112 by offsetting the jaw as at 116.

The movable jaw 117 of the device projects from the turntable and includes a notch 118 complemental and opposed to the notch 114, the jaw member 117 underlying the aw member 112 but being offset at 119, so that the tongue 120 of said jaw member will overlie the tongue 115 of the stationary jaw member. The reason for this arrangement is to prevent twisting of the container or the jaws or otherwise canting the container or distorting same or the jaws when grasped, the arrangement distributing the pressure and thereby preventingtheoccurrenceofanysuchdefect. The movablej aw1nember1l7 is fulcrumed on a pin 121, which may be a screw as shown in Figure 7, which projects downwardly from the under surface of the turntable, and said jaw is provided with an angularly disposed arm portion 122 which carries a roller 123 adapted to ride upon the peripheral surface of the collar 107 and cam 108.

The movable jaw 117 is further provider with a downwardly bent portion 124 to which a contractile spring is attached, the opposite end of said spring being affixed at 126 to the turntable. An inspection of Figures 6 and 7 will make it clear that the spring 125 tends to close the jaws and that these jaws are opened by the cam 108 so that the action of the jaws will be relatively rapid, at least when closing. It will be observed that the jaws when open present an opening which is substantially of the same area and shape as that of the plunger 77. A ring 127 is secured by rivets 128 or the like to the turntable 110 adjacent the periphery thereof and underlies the j aw members 112 and 117 so as to strengthen the jaw members near their outer ends, prevent vibration and also to cause said members to move relatively in snug relationship.

WVhen the turntable with the gripping and conveying devices is installed on the machine the periphery of the turntable 110 is disposed relatively close to the front edge of the table 76, as may be seen in Figure 7, so that the jaws in their path of travel will pass immediately beneath and close to the table 76. j

The turntable is so actuated and the cam 108 is so positioned that from a predetermined pointup until the jaws just begin to move out from under the table 76, these jaws are open so that as the plunger descends it not only forms the container as previously eX- plained, but disposes such container Within the jaws of the gripping devices which are then open. The rotative movement of the turntable continues and just prior to the complete withdrawal of the plunger from the table 7 6 and the container, the rollers 123 leave the cam 108 and the jaws are then auto matically closed to grasp and contract the upper end of the container and form a neck therein. By reference to Figs. 6, 7 and 8 it will be observed that the opening 92 in the table 76 is of a particiiilar construction and shape and that the substantially diamond shaped opening formed by the cooperating notches 11.4, 118 of the grippers 112, 117, when in an open position, is located iu'unediately below the supporting table and the opening 92 therein. The size of the openin 92 is such that the side walls of the notches 114, 118 of the grippers, and which form the diamond shaped opening, are located beneath the recesses 96 forming a part of the opening 92. The particular shaped opening in the table 76 and the gripping jaws located immediately below the same cooperate to form the bag in a novel and highly useful manner which may be briefly described as follows. After the individual blank of gauze has been laid over the opening 92 upon the table 76 and has been cut elf previously described from.

the supply roll of gauze, the plunger 77 descends engaging the central portion of the gauze blank and causing the central portion to be forced down through the center of the opening 92 in the table 76. The four recesses 96 shape the gauze blank into a partially formed bag with four definite corner sections or folds in the mouth portion of the bag, one extending into each of the recesses 96. 1n the bag, in its partially formed condition as thus far described, there are four outwardly extending folds, one at each of the four corners of the bag. Then as the plunger 77 continues to move the partially formed bag downwardly, each outwardly extended corner portion of the bag, which has been formed by a recess 96, is brought into contact with and engaged by one of the side walls of the notches 114 and 118 of the clamping jaws located immediately below the table 76, and which form the diamond shaped opening above referred to, and as a result of the continued downward movement of the plunger 77 the side walls of the notches 114, 118 operate to bunch each outwardly extending corner portion of the partially formed bag and to gradually contract the neck portion of the bag so that in the partially formed condition in which the bag exists after the plunger has completed its downward movement and before the clamping jaws 112, 117 have closed, the mouth of the bag comprises a flaring mouth portion in which the material is arranged in four definite bunches, each bunch comprisi a relatively large number of individual folds of in less non-uniform character, and the adjacent bunchcs are connected by substntial unfolded portions of the mouth of the bag. Such substantially unfolded portions are formed by the inwardly extending tongues 93 of the opening 92 in the table 76 and by the longitudinal sides oi the opening 92. The next step in the operation of the formation of the bag comprises the filling oi the bag and the withdrawal of the plunger 77, after which the gripping jaws 112, 11'? are closed, contracting the neck portion of the bag, drawing together the tour definite corner bunches, and forming a compact bunched mass at the mouth portion of the bag. in the computed bag formed as described the surplus material is gathered in four definite bunches with the individual folds comprising each bunch of a more or less non-uniform character and with the portions of the bag between tne bunched corners in a substantially unfolded condition.

The present method of bag formation lends itself particularly to the rapid and positive formation or the contracted neck portion of the bag, and as a result of the direction of the surplus material at each corner of the into the outwardly extended corner i olds by the recesses 96 in the plate and the subseipjient bunching up of each corner i'old into a compact mass or bunch of non-unilorm folds, it has been found that a minimum tendency e1 ists for the gauze blanks to become clogged in the operating parts of the machi and as a result each bag is formed in a positive and ellicient manner.

The next step is to remove the surplus tabric of the container which projects above the jaws and which is naturally quite irregular and must be trimmed Oil to make a neat looking package and this trimming mechanism will now be described in detail.

The trimming mechanism, generally designated l, and shown in enlarged detail in Figures 9 and 10, is conveniently situated at a point between the forming mechanism and the bag tying mechanism and the actual cutting device of said trimming mechanism is loca ted at a point immediately adjacent to and above a stationary position of one of the containers which the latter assumes in progress around the circle defined by the turntable. For instance, after the bag is grasped and leaves the forming mechanism due to an increment of movement applied to the turntable it will assume a position about half way between the forming mechanism and the trimmer as shown in Figure 2. Here it remains until the next increment of motion is applied to the turntable whereupon the container is moved to a point immediately beneath the cutting element of the trimmer and so on throughout its path of travel through the machine. Therefore, this trimming mechanism is arranged in a position so as to trim the bag or containor while stationary.

The trimming mechanism as seen in Figures 1, 2, 9 and 10, comprises shears 129 including the fixed blade 130 and the movable blade 131. The movable blade is provided with a hub 132 fulcrumed on a bolt 133 carried by the horizontal portion 134 01 a vertical standard 135 vhich has its base fixedly secured to the side member The bolt 133 supports a compression spring 136, the tension of which is adjustable by the provision of a nut 137 on the bolt 133. A lever 13%; e::- tends from the hub 132 and is pivotally connected with a link 139, which latter has a universal joint connection 1-l0 with one arm 141 of a bell crank lever 1 12, which latter is mounted on a fulcrum 1 13 carried by the mwardly extending portion l ll of a standard of support 145, said standard being secured to the side member The other arm 1% of the bell crank lever is connected by a link 14:? to the free end oi? an actuating lever 148 which is mounted upon the shaft 10. The lever 1&3 has a roller 1418- on the upper edge near the medial portion thereof and this roller is adapted to run upon the periphery of a cam 21 which latter is fixedly secured to and rotates continuously with the shaft 11. The arrangement of the leters of this mechanism as shown places the cam 21 a sullicient distance toward the center of the machine to allow for the position occupied by the cam 20 which performs the function which will presently appear.

The position of the shears 129 is such that they are disposed horizontally immediately above the path of travel of the jaws which grasp the container so that the excess material of the container which projects above the gripping jaws will, upon an increment of movement of the turntable, be introduced into the throat of the shears, and then the cam 21 in its proper time depresses the lever 148 and actuates the shears to sever the excess material.

After the container, gripped by the jaws 117 and 112 has been trimmed in the manner just described, an additional increment of movement is imparted to the turntable, which movement brings the container to a point designated M in Figure 2 and also indicated in the same manner in Figure 12.

When the container reaches the point designated M the bag tying mechanism F functions, this mechanism comprising the elements hereinafter more particularly described.

Referring now to Figures 1, 2, 11 and 12 and especially Figures 11 and 12 in which the detail parts are shown enlarged, I provide a double cam wheel 20, the cam parts thereof being the laterally projecting rollers Q0 and 20 The rollers 20 and 20" are carried by a diametrically arranged arm 21 which is socured to the wheel or disc 20 by the machine screws 22.

The rollers 20 engage in the radial slots 1 19 01 the star wheel 150 so that the cam wheel 20 and said star wheel form the essential parts of a so-called Geneva gear mechanism. This Geneva gear mechanism intermittently operates the tying mechanism F as will appear later.

The star wheel 150 is loosely mounted for rotation on the shaft 12 and is affixed to a gear wheel 151 which latter is in meshing engagement with a pinion 152 mounted on a hub 153 the latter being freely rotatable on the shaft 13. The hub 153, on its inner end is provided with a socket for receiving the shank 154 of a bevel pinion 155, the machine screws 155" serving to fixedly secure the bevel pinion 155 on said hub 153.

A vertical standard 156 is bolted or otherwise secured at 157 to the top of the side member 3 and is provided with 158-158 in which a revoluble vertical shaft 159 is j ournaled. The shaft 159 is supported by the standard 156 at a point some distance in wardly from the frame member 3 and is prevented from longitudinal motion in its bearings by the gear wh el 160 secured fixedly to the projecting upper end of said shaft and abutting the uppermost lug 158 and by means of the bevel pinion 161 fixed to the lower proj ecting end of the shaft 159 and abutting the lowermost lug 158. The pinion 161 is in meshing engagement with the pinion 155.

The standard 156 is provided at its upper end with a rearwardly and outwardly pro jecting arm 16:2- formed with a journal or hearing 163 for a revoluble shaft 164. The shaft 164 has a pinion 165 fixedly attached to and meshing with the gear 160 and resting on the top of the bearing 168 and collar 166 is integral with or fixedly secured to the lower end of the shaft 164. The collar 166 has at tached thereto by screws 167, the looping device which includes a horizontal radial arm 168 and a depending arm 169, the lower end of which is bent outwardly as at 170. The tying device is in effect a crank on the shaft 164 and engages with the string, will hereinafter appear, to loop the same for application to the bag or other container for purposes of closing the mouth of the container. The shaft 164 is provided with an axial. bore 171 through which the string or twine 1'2'2 is passed.

The rotation of the shaft 11 is imparted intermittently to the star wheel 150, thence by the gears 151 and 152 and pinions 155 and 161 to the shafts 159 and 164, whereby a plurality of revolutions are imparted to the shaft 164 intern'iittently. In other words, the shaft 164 is rotated only during the engagement of one or the other of the rollers 2O or 20* with the star wheel 150 during revolution of the shaft 11.

As the loop is formed by the revolutions which the arm 169 makes and as this arm is disposed to one side of the path of movement of the container, it is necessary that the loop thus formed be transposed to a position where it may be applied to the container. This feature of my invention I believe to be most useful in view of the fact, among other things, that the loop is first made and then applied to the container and those devices of the prior 174 fixedly secured to and oscillatable in a horizontal plane by the provision of a vertical shaft 175, this shaft also being capable of vertical displacement and carrying the cage with it for a purpose which will presently appear.

A sleeve 176 surrounds the shaft 175, and said sleeve is revolubly mounted in a vertical bearing 177, said bearing being supported rigidly from the standard 156 or from any other convenient fixed point on the machine.

The cage is so supported by the arm 174 that in one of its positions, for instance, that shown in Figures 2 and 12, said cage is located directly beneath that one of the grip ping elements which hold the container when stationary, and said cage is adapted in another position to be disposed axially below the shaft 164.

In the latter position mentioned the cage receives a loop of twine from the element 169 and in the other position applies this loop to a container.

The upper end of he sleeve projects beyond the upper end of the bearing 17'? as at 177 and supports the hub 174 of the arm 174. On the enlarged portion 177, forming the extension of the sleeve, is provided a cam 17 8 which performs function which will appear as this description proceeds.

The sleeve is prevented against longitudinal movement by the provision of a. collar 179 secured by a set screw 179 to said sleeve, said collar abutting the lower end of the bearing 177.

The sleeve is oscillated in its bearing 177 by a mechanism which will be described presently and in order that the shaft 175 may move vertically relatively to the sleeve and yet rotate with the sleeve, a slot 180 is provided in the shaft and a transverse pin 180 carried by the sleeve extends through said slot.

The sleeve is rotated through an arc of approximately degrees for shifting the arm 174 by the provision of the following elements: A lug 181 on the collar 179 has a universal joint connection 181 to a link 182, which latter has a universal joint connection 183 with a lever or rocker arm 184, loosely fulcrumed on the shaft 12. Rocking motion isimparted to the rocker arm 184 by the pro vision of a reciprocating bar 185 pivotally connected at 186 to approximately the medial portion of the rocker arm 184, the rear end of the bar 185 having a bifurcated portion to form a yoke 187 which embraces the shaft 11 and is guided thereon. A cam 23 on the shaft 11, provided with two high points 23 lies parallel to and adjacent the bar 185, and the periphery of said cam is adapted to engage a roller 188, mounted upon the medial portion of the bar 185, so that as the cam rotat-es, said bar is reciprocated, and thus rocks the arm 184. ft will be obvious that when th arm 184 is thus moved the link 182 will impart a partial rotation to the sleeve 186 and thus shift the cage carrying arm 174.

As will be seen from an inspection of Figure 12, the cam moves the arm 17 4 against the tension of a helical spring 189 having one end fixedly secured at 190 to the shelf 4 and the other end affixed by a pin 191 to said sleeve 176.

As previously pointed out the pin 18min the slot 189 causes the movement of the sleeve 176 to be imparted to the shaft 175 to accomplish partial rotation of the latter, and to elevate and depress the shaft 175 1 provide a mechanism embodying the following elements A. lever 192 fulcrumed on the shaft 10 the longer arm of said lever being bifurcated. to form a yoke 193 which embraces the shaft 175, a collor 194 being carried between antifriction bearings 195195 on the shaft 17 5, and the yoke being connected by links 196 to said collar. An expansion spring 197 surrounds the shaft 175 and is interposed between the lower end of the sleeve 176 and one of the ball bearings 195, said spring tending to force the shaft 175 to its lowermost position.

The shorter arm of the lever 192 extends rearwardly below the cam 22 and carries a roller 192 which underlies the cam 22 which is affixed. to the shaft 11 and is continuously rotated thereby. The cam 12 has its periphery in engagement with the roller 192 and thus when the high point of the cam engages said roller the forward end of the lever is raised thus elevating the shaft 175, arm 174 and the cage.

The cage itself includes a circular series of vertical posts or pins 173*, the upper ends of which extend through complemental notches in the inner periphery of a hub 174 said posts 173 being fixedly carried by the arm 174. It will be observed from Figure 12 that the annulus 174 is supported. upon a spider frame 198 by vertically extending posts 199 and the spider 198 is vertically displaceable with the annulus relative to the arm 174 by the provision of a supporting column 198* which operates in a bearing in the arm 174. The lower end of said column is pivotally connected to one arm of a lever 200 pivoted at 201 on the bottom of the arm 174. The other end of the lever 200 carries a roller 202 adapted, as will hereinafter appear, to contact with the cam 178 carried by the sleeve 175. In operation of the machine the tying device actually functions when the turntable is in motion, that is, while one container is being moved into position to be tied, the cam 23 is positioned so that one of its low points is in position to permit the cage to be presented to the tying crank 169, for receiving the loop. The arrangement of the cams 23 and 21 and the Geneva star wheel 150 is such that the cam 23 first permits the cage to move from the position shown in Figure 12 to a position immediately beneath the shaft 164, this movement being accomplished by the spring 189. lVhen the cage has movedto theposition mentioned, as best shown in Figure 13, one of the pins 20 or 2O impart movement to the star wheel, which in turn, through the pinion 152, bevel gears and 161 and gears 160 and 165 imparts one revolution to the looping arm 169 thus throwing a loop of string or twine around the upper projecting ends of the pins 173, a clip 174" being provided on the annulus 174 for catching and holding, or at least placing a tension on a portion of the twine so that when the cam 23 again comes around and swings the cage back to the position shown in Figure 12 immediately beneath a container which has in the meantime arrived at the point, the movement of the cage will. not unravel the loop.

After this motion has been accomplished the cam 22 serves to depress the lever 192 at it rear end and thus elevate the shaft 175 which in turn elevates the cage 173 to encompass the container but not to come in contact with the gripping devices on the turntable. As the cage moves upwardly and just as it reaches the end of its upward path of movement the roller 202 on the lever 200 engages the cam 17 8 and thereby lifts the annulus 174 with respect to the pins 173 thus disengaging the loop of twine from said pins and deposit ing such loop around the neclr of the container below the gripping devices this being accomplished by virtue of the fact that the twine is continuous up to a certain point and that one end being fixed on the spool of twine R and held by the clip 174" and the other end of the twine extending over to the preceding container. The foregoing operation with respect to the formation of the loop is again repeated to place a second loop on the cage and to transfer it to the container before the turntable moves. The second loop is thrown by the second high point on the cam 23 The movement of the container by a further turning of the turntable causes the looped twine to contract about the neck of the container in which position it is held for further operations to be described.

A linger 170 fixedly mounted on the arm 17% serves to engage a part of the string or twine and cooperate with the clip 17% during the tying operation.

In order to maintain the twine 1T2 taut at certain intervals and to at vance or feed the twine I provide a mechanism best shown in Figures 1 and 2 and including a standard 172x" mounted on a shelf 1. At the upper end of the standard a lever 1'72 is fulcrunied, the inner end of said lever having a pulley 172 thereon arranged with its periphery above the axis of the opening 171 in the shaft 164.. A clip 172 is secured to the lever 172 and is provided with apertures through one of which the upwardly extending; stretch of twine passes and through the other of which the downwardly extending stretch of twine passes toward the looping device.

Below the lever 172 at a point approximately half the distance up on the standard 172 1 provide a floating lever 305, the inner end of said lever 305 having a series of pulleys 306 over which the twine is trained, the outer end of the lever 305 having a friction device 30? for feeding the twine from the spool The twine is trained through a bracket 308 carried by the lever 305 ahead of the friction device for an obvious purpose.

The outer end of the lever 1.72 is pivotally connected to a rod 309 which extends downwardly past lever 005 and though the lug 310 forn'ied on one of the actuating levers 311. The lower end of the rod 309 is provided with an abutment means, such as the nut 312, for preventing the rod 300 froin lifting out of the inn; 310 and. also for part lg, motion to said rod 300 upon a 5 cueterm ..2d motion of the lever 311. The rod 309 is connected to the lever 305 approximately at the medial portion thereof by the provision of a helical co: actile spring 313 so that the tendency of said spring is to move the outer end of the lever 172" toward the lever 305.

A second operating; lever 31 i is provided; the levers 311 and 314 being pivotally mounted at 315 on an inclined post 316 supported by the shelf l The levers 311 and 31 1 are each provided with rollers 316 and 317 which ride upon the periphery of a cam fixed upon and rotatable with the shaft 15, the cam having a cutaway portion 318 for permitting downward displacement of both of the levers. The levers 311 and 314iare maintained in contact with the cam and moved in direction by the helical sprj' igs and 320, respectively. It will be observed that the lever 3.1 1 is shorter than the lever 311 so that they will operate in succession for a purpose which will presently appear.

The lever 31 1 is operatively connected to the lever 305 by means of a link 321 connected to the medial portion of the lever 314-. and to a diagonally arranged upstanding arni 322 {LillXBCl to the lever 305 near the friction device 307. It will be observed that by virtue of the springs 313 the lever 305 is vertically displace-able on the rod 309.

Tn the operation of the twine feeding mechanisin just described, assuming that the care 318 rotates in the direction of the arrow appearing on the gear 14 in Figure 1, when the low point or cutaway portion 318 comes under the end of the lever 31 1 the sprin 320 depresses said lever and brings the love? 305 downwardly substantially horizontally on the rod 309 against the tension of the SPY i119; 313. This movement is in'nnediately followed by the descent of a lever 311, and this lever strilrng the lower end of the rod 309 raises the inner end of the lever 172" so tnat tile latter and the lever 305 are separated.

As the lever 305 descends under the action of the lever 31 1 a pull is exerted on the rod 309 by the atively lie Jring 313 but as this spring relno material movement of the lever 172 is ellccted. The only function whichresults is that due to the fact that the twine 155 secured one end in the machine to one of the containers the lever 305 moves. in effect, past the twine, that is, the distance between the outer end of the lever 305 and the spool is reduced, but the distance between the inner end of the lever 305 and the lever 172 is increased so that in effect the twine passes from right to left as viewed in l 1 through the friction device 307, this do readily pe'nntting the passage of twine in this direction. miplniediategyafte r the descent of the lever on 1e lev 61 all descends and strikes the nut 312 thereby raising the inner end of the lever 172 through the niediuin of the rod 309. All the operations so far described function to displace the friction device with respect to the twine so that when the lever 305 again ascends by the lever 314: rising on the cani 318 an additional increment of twine will be removed from the spool. and that portion of the twine between the fri tion deviice and the tyinn; device slacked away so as to permit of suillcient slack for the next container to be t ed. The lever 311 follows the lever 31 1- in rlsing and again in turn permits the return of the lever 172 to its norina nosition as shown in Fir 0 After the tying operation is completed the loose string or twine showin in Figure 18 forms a loop 203 which serves later as the means for attaching}; a tap to the container.

This apparatus is shown G in Figure 2 and illustrated in detail in Figures 1 1 to 17, inclusive.

Refe to Figures 1-l to 17 and in part to Fi ire 2 the tag delivering and attaching mechanism includes a supporting pedestal 

